Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) involving pyridine derivatives, such as antihypertensive agents, antimicrobials, antivirals, and other nitrogen-containing heterocyclic drugs. The nitro group at the 3-position activates the chloro group at the 4-position, facilitating nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions for introducing functional groups like amino or mercapto, and enabling sequential substitutions to add various side chains in drug molecules. Also employed in agrochemical synthesis for creating herbicides and plant growth regulators. The hydrochloride salt form improves stability and handling during industrial processes. Additionally, utilized in organic chemistry research to synthesize complex pyridine derivatives for pharmacological studies.